Side bearing



Sept. 2, 1941. E. H; BLATTNER SIDE BEARING s Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 6, 1938 Sept. 2, 1941.

Filed Dec. 6,

E. H. BLATTNER SIDE BEARING 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Sept. 2, 1941- E. H. BLATTNER 2,254,791

SIDE BEARING Filed Dec. e, 1958 s Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Sept. 2, 1941 'ATENT OFFlCE SIDE BEARING Emil H. Blattner, Rochester, N. Y., assignor to The Symington-Gould Corporation, Rochester, N. Y., a corporation of Maryland Application December 6, 1938, Serial No. 244,251

Claims.

The invention relates to a side bearing of the i I An object of the invention is the provision of I '1 a relatively light, simple and rugged structure adapted to effectively resist or cushion the oscillatory movements of a car body.

A feature of the invention is to provide, in a side bearing, a housing having a supporting or attaching base with end and connecting side walls upstanding therefrom, a group of precurved spring forming plates spanning the distance between and supported by the end walls, and a cap supported by the plates having a top plate portion thereof normally spaced above the housing and a peripheral depending flange positioned outwardly of and in partial overlapping relation with the housing walls to form a body bolster engaging member as well as prevent the entrance of foreign substance to within the bearing.

Springs of the precurved plate type present relatively sharp lower bearing edges, and to al- Another feature of the invention is to maintain the resilient means of the side bearing under a predetermined compression, and to accomplish this end means are removably associated with the cap flange and bearing side walls to limit the movement of the cap away from the housing.

The above object and features, as well as numerous others, will become apparent from the succeeding description of the exemplified forms of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

section and partially in elevation, being taken low these lower plate edges to bear directly on I l a cast footing or support will result in the edges, upon flexure of the plates, digging or chiseling a groove or recess into the supporting member. This will ultimately result in a diminution of the original capacity of the side bearing as the group of plates will attain or assume a lower vertical position than that originally provided with the corresponding lowering of the side bearing cap. This will be more clearly understood upon point ing out that usually no clearance is provided between the body bolster engaging portion of a resilient side bearing and the associated portion of the body bolster and the compressive movement of the bearing is predetermined and but a fraction of an inch. If, therefore, the resilient means assumed a different vertical position from that originally determined, the body bolster engaging portion of the side hearing would also change from its original position and, therefore, diminish the effective compressive movement and capacity of the side bearing. In order to overcome the above undesirable condition the end walls of the bearing housing are provided with wear or bearing plates of a material capable of withstanding the chiseling or gouging action of the bearing edges of the spring forming plates, and in this manner the capacity of the side hearing will, throughout service thereof, be maintained.

along the lines 3-3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an enlarged detail elevational view of one end of a means for retaining the struc ture in assembled relation and is taken along the the lines 4-4 of Figure 3. I

Figure 5 is an enlarged detail elevational view of the other end of the means shown in Figure 4 and is taken along the lines 5-5 of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a plan view of another exemplification of the invention, a portion thereof being removed to more clearly illustrate the relation of elements.

Figure 7 is a vertical sectional view taken along the lines 1-! of Figure 6, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 8 is an end view shown partially in section and partially in elevation, being taken along the lines 8-8 of Figure 6 looking in the direction of the arrows, a portion of the elevational view being illustrated insection.

Figure 9 is a plan view of a further exemplification of the invention, a portion thereof being removed to illustrate the interior of the side' rows, aportion thereof being removed to more clearly illustrate the invention.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are employed to designate like parts, and initially considering the species illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, the side bearing is generally designated by the reference character I. The side bearing comprises a relatively light hollow housing 2, preferably of cast form, having a substantially horizontal supporting base or lower bearing plate 3 adapted to directly engage a top wall of a truck bolster (not shown) and being apertured, as at 4, to accommodaterivets, bolts or other securing means for retaining the side bearing in a predetermined position. Upstanding from the base are longitudinally spaced end walls 5 joined adjacent their transverse edges by laterally spaced substantially vertical side connecting walls 6 to form a box-like member rectangular in plan. Extending between the base and side walls are longitudinally spaced triangular-shaped gussets I extending vertically of thehousing and forming reinforcements to rigidify the housing structure.

Each end wall, forming a standard or column, desirably comprises a lower substantially vertical flange 8 terminating in a horizontal ledge or shelf-forming web 9 directed outwardly of the housing and positioned intermediate the height of the end walls adjacent the upper extremities thereof. The outer extremity of each web is joined to a vertical top flange Ill which forms the upper end of each side Wall and is positioned in a vertical plane spaced outwardly of the housing from the associated lower flange. Forming an auxiliary support for each side wall web is a vertical rib II extending between the housing base and each web 9. By so arranging the flanges and web of each end wall in the illustrated and described manner the housing will not be extended over a great area and the structure will present not only a relatively light construction but one capable of withstanding the stresses imparted theretoduring service.

Spanning the distance or extending between the housing side walls is a group or a plurality of precurved plates IZsuperimposed upon one another to form a spring or resilient means to resist the compressive movement of the bearing. The plates are of a width slightly less than the distance between the side walls and accordingly are restrained from shifting laterally of the housing by the side walls. The precurved arouate plates are employed in theinstant structure as the resilient means in order that frictional forces may be created on the engaging surfaces of the plates during the compressive movement of the side bearing to thereby add, to the inherent resiliency of the plates, an additional force in resisting the compressive movement of the side bearing.

Associated with each end wall is a hearing or wear plate I3 formed of rolled or plate material and desirably L-shaped in cross section. The wear plates preferably comprise lower horizontal legs I4 interposed between the lowermost edges I5 of the bottom plate I 6 of the group of preedges I5 of the plate I6 will move relatively to the horizontal leg of the wear plate. This movement of the edges I5 will create frictional forces to thereby increase the capacity or compressive value of the side bearing. By employing the precurved plates, therefore, a distinct advantage is ultimately gained in that a lesser number of plates need be employed to attain the capacity of a side bearing which includes flat plates as the resilient means.

As previously indicated, if the wear plates are not employed and the precurved plates are arranged to bear directly on the cast ledge or shelfforming web 9, the relatively sharp edges I5 of the lower plate I6 will, after the side bearing has been in continued use or service, chisel or gouge a groove or recess in the web. This action will not only result in a weakening of the end walls 5 but will cause the group of spring forming plates to attain a lower vertical position or relation with respect to the associated structure and accordingly decrease the predetermined capacity of the side bearing.

Forming a body bolster engaging portion or bearing pad of the illustrated side bearing is a telescoping member or cap I8 comprising a top horizontal plate I9 bearing upon the group of plates intermediate the ends thereof so as to flex the arcuate plates during a compressive movement of the side bearing and also allow the cap to freely assume an abnormal or angular relation with respect to the subjacent housing. The top plate is desirably spaced a predetermined distance above the upper extremity of the housing walls, and this distance is determinative of the compressive movement of the side bearing.

It will be observed, by referring particularly to Figures 2 and 3, that the top wall is extended slightly beyond the area defined by the housing side walls, and accordingly its downward travel is arrested. by the side walls. By this arrangement, therefore, the side bearing functions as a solid bearing after it is fully compressed, and thereby forms a definite limiting means whereby the car body may only oscillate or roll a predetermined distance with respect to the truck bolster. Depending from adjacent the periphery of the top plate is a continuously formed flange 2i! overlapping the upper extremity of the housing and comprising end flanges 2I spaced outwardly of the housing end walls and side flanges 22 spaced slightly outwardly of the adjacent housing side walls. By this cap formation and its relation with the housing, foreign substance is excluded from the interior of the side bearing.

Due to the limited compressive movement of the side bearing it is desirable to place the spring forming plates under an initial compression in order to provide a side bearing of a given capacity, and accordingly means has been associated preferably with the cap and housing to accomplish this purpose. In the present embodiment transversely aligned apertures 23 are provided in the housing side walls and apertures 24 of lesser extent are formed in the cap side flanges in substantial alignment with the apertures 23. Extending through the apertures 23 and 24 is a bar or pin 25 preferably square in cross section to substantially correspond to the configuration of the occupied apertures. The pin is positioned beheath-and in close proximity of the spring forming plates, and by reason of this pin position the side flanges neednot depend to a great extent,

which assists in lessening the ultimate weight of the side hearing. The pin may, of course, be-df any cross sectional design, but the illustrated section is preferred in that it presents plane surfaces and thereby the cap may be retained in a substantially horizontal position. In order to-arrange for a compressive or downward movement of the cap with respect to the'housing the aper tures 23 are desirably elongated or extended downwardly from the normally positioned pin which provides for lost motion between the cap and housing. v The pin is retained in operable position by a web 26 formed integrally with one of the side flanges and spaced outwardly of the corresponding end of the pin. A web 2'! is likewise formed integrally with the other side flange and is spaced outwardly of the associated end of the pin 25. It will be observedthat while both webs 26 and 21 only partially restrict the clear opening ofthe apertures the web 27 is of a lesser height than the Web 28 so that the pin may beintroduced into or threaded through the aperture over the web 21 and the webs overlap the lower extremity of the pin when the latter is in normal operative position to restrain or arrest any transverse movement of the pin. It will be further observed that the webs form reinforcing members to strengthen the side flanges in the vicinity of the apertures. In order to assist the webs 26 and 21 in retaining the pin in operable position and facilitate the application and removal of the pin a bar or key 28 is arranged in bearing relation with or superimposed on the pin and extended through the housing and cap apertures. The key has an end depending leg 29 directed toward the web 21 to overlie the associated end of the pin and an opposite or end upstanding leg 30 bent or directed away from the associated web 26 and overlying the corresponding side flange of the cap. The legs 29 and 39 of the key form an interlock with the pin and cap and prevent an undesirable or accidental displacement of the pin.

By now considering the embodiment of the in: vention disclosed in Figures 6 to 8, inclusive, the reference character I indicates a side bearing having as a lower or stationary member thereof a housing 2 of relatively light construction and of hollow form so as to lessen the weight ultimately added to a railway truck and, like the housing of the previously'described structure, capable of transmitting forces to an underlying truck bolster (not shown) imparted thereto during service. The housing 2 'desirably comprises a bottom plate or base 3* apertured, as at t, to accommodate or receive securing means of any type in order to maintain the side bearing in a predetermined position. Upstanding from the base are longitudinally spaced end walls 5 and transversely spaced side walls 6 extending between and integrally joining the end walls adjacent their lateral edges to form, in eiTect, a boxlike structure. Each side wall is braced by means of longitudinally spaced gussets l substantially triangular in form and extending a desired distance along the base and side walls.

Each end wall comprisesa lower flange 8 adjacent the base and an upper flange Ell which is preferably a vertical continuation of the lower flange and extends to the upper extremity of the housing. Extending inwardly of the housing from each end wall is an intermediate ledge-. forming web 9 spaced a desired distance above and substantially parallel to the base 3*. Spas to overcome any hingingaction of the web about its base upon application of a superimposed load, a subjacent rib Il positioned intermediate the side walls, is directeed between each web and the base inwardly of the housing.

In the present embodiment of the invention consideration has been given to providing a side bearing of adequate capacity as well as substantially maintaining a given capacitythroughout a greater range of compressive or expansive movement of the sidebearingthan that heretofore described. To accomplish this end, therefore, a plurality of, preferably two, groups or nests of pre-curved plates 12 forming a resilient means, is positioned in and confined by the housing. The plates are arranged in upper and lower or oppositely facing groups having their intermediate portions in abutting relation; the lower group facing inwardly of the housing and the upper group facing outwardly of thehousing. In this manner, therefore, a predetermined re silient capacity may be maintained in the side bearing within a greater range of compressive or expansive travel. It will beobserved that, in addition to the inherent resiliency of the spring forming plates when the groups are flexed, relative surface movement of the plates will be ffected tocreate frictional forces.

'- Related with the end walls are bearing or wear plates l3 of rolled or plate material and preferably formed L-shape in'vertical cross section. The angle wear plates each comprise a bottom or lower leg M bearing upon an associated web 9 and forming a direct support for a'lower end edge 15 of a plate Ili the latter of which is" the lowermostplate of the lowergroup'of plates; The outer edge of each lower leg M terminates in a vertically disposed leg l'l which abuts the upper flange w of the housing, and in this manner relative movement between the wear plates and housing is prevented. It will'be noted that, by reason of the edges l5 moving with relation'to the lower legs M during a flexing of the lower group of pre-curved plates, additional frictional forces will be created to add to the capacity of the group. Another distinct advantage gained by employing the removable wear plates I3 is that they not only relieve the housing of wear or the gouging action of the edges l5 but are readily replaceable in case they are Worn beyond a permissible amount after long continued use thereof.

In order to provide a body bolster engaging member a cap I3 is arranged to comprise the upper portion of the side bearing. The cap l8 desirably is formed of a top plate l9 spaced a predetermined distance above the housing side walls to allow the cap to move toward the housing during a compressive movement of the side bearing. The plate l9 is, of suflicient area to provide an adequate bearing member as well' as extend beyond the Vertical limits of the subjacent housing. Depending from the periphery of the top plate is a substantially-continuous flangelll which is positioned slightly outwardly from the housingside walls. The peripheral flange comprises end flanges Zi joined by side flanges 22 and overlaps theupper extremity of thehousing walls to form a protective means in order to exclude foreign substance from the interior of the side bearing.

Interposed between the upper group of plates and the capare longitudinally spacedv removable bearing or wear plates 3 l' formed L-shap'e in vertical cross section like the counterpart plates I3 As the cap is preferably of cast form, the plates 3| provide a protective means and prevent grooves or channels being formed in the lower surface of the cap during a fiexure of the adjacent supporting plates. The plates 3! each comprise a horizontal leg 32 in bearing relation with the cap top plate and engaged by an upper end edge 33 of a top or uppermost plate 34 of the upper group of pre-curved plates. The horizontal legs 32 are positioned in a longitudinally disposed downwardly facing recess 35 in the cap top plate and in this manner are restrained from. transverse movement relative to the cap and fouling the housing side walls. The outer edges of the horizontal legs terminate in downwardly directed vertical legs 35 which prevent movement of the plates 3| in a longitudinal direction by abutting shoulders or embossments 31 directed inwardly of the housing at the top plate and end flange junctures. The shoulders also retain the vertical legs 35 in a predetermined position inwardly of the housing end walls a distance preferably equal to the distance between the end flanges 2i and the adjacent housing end walls so that, upon any relative longitudinal movement of the cap with respect to the housing, the plates 3| will not be urged or forced inwardly f the housing. Accordingly, the cap is free to move without any interference between the wear plates 3| and the housing walls through the entire range of permissible cap movement. The upper extremity of each top flange of the end walls is coped or recessed, as at 38, to accommodate or receive theassociated shoulder with suf ficient clearance being provided between the shoulders and associated top flanges to allow a free unrestricted movement of the cap.

In order to maintain the group of plates under a predetermined compression so as to provide a side bearing of given capacity as well as to retain the associated parts of the side bearing in assembled relation, transversely aligned apertures 23 are provided in the housing side walls intermediate their heights and preferably in lower spaced relation to the lowermost group of spring forming plates. The side flanges 22' have extending from their lower extremities depending portions or pendants 39 which attain their greatest depth adjacent the transverse vertical plane of the side bearing. Adjacent the lower extremities of the cap pendants are aligned apertures 26 desirably in vertical alignment with, but of lesser extent than, the housing apertures 23. Projecting transversely of the side bearing and through the apertures 23 and 24 is a bar or pin 25 which immediately underlies the lower group of plates l2, and is formed square in cross section to substantially correspond to the contour of the occupied apertures.

In order to provide a means for restraining transverse'movement of the pin and thereby prevent accidental displacement thereof during service, a web 26* is formed integrallyjwith one of the depending portions 39 to overlie an adjacent end of the pin. The web 26, positioned outwardly of the vertical plane of the associated side flange and directed upwardly, partially restricts the clear'openinginto theapertures and accordingly lies in the transverse plane of the pin. Likewise a web Zi is formed integrally with the other depending portion '39 to overlie the opposite or other extremity of the pin but, as will be noted by referring to Figure 8, the web 21 is of lesser height thanthe WebZfi, and

thereby the entrance into the aligned apertures,

is less restricted. By this arrangement of the webs and their association with the pin the latter, when in operable position, is prevented from transverse movement in either direction, and the pin can be threaded into operable position over the web 21; the associated cap aperture being sufficiently large to permit the introduction of the pin therethrough. The cap apertures 2t are, to permit the insertion of the pin, of greater vertical extent than the pin, and accordingly means is provided to retain the pin in alignment with the webs 26 and 21 respectively. While any means found desirable may be provided, a preference is given to the illustrated key 28 formed of a flat bar which is coextensive with and superimposed on the pin. The key has an outer depending leg 29 directed toward the associated Web 21 to overlie the corresponding end of the pin and an opposite or other extremity directed upwardly as a vertical leg 3t! in a direction away from the associated web 26*- to overlie the corresponding cap side wall pendant. It will be noted that the housing apertures 23 are extended in a vertical direction a predetermined distance above and below the normal position of the assembled pin and key so that the side hearing may be free to expand or be compressed from the illustrated normal position.

Referring now to the embodiment of Figures 9 to 11, wherein a side bearing l is illustrated to comprise a relatively hollow shell-like housing 2 which is somewhat similar to the housing 2 of the structure of Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, the housing 2 is formed by a footing or base 3 apertured, as at 4 to accommodate attaching means of any nature and having upstanding therefrom longitudinally spaced end walls 5 connected by spacing closing side walls 6 The end walls 5 are desirably Z-shaped in vertical section to present inner lower flanges l3 having their upper extremities directed outwardly of the housing to form intermediate ledges, shelves or webs 9 which, in turn, terminate in outwardly positioned and upwardly directed top flanges Ill to substantially complete the end Walls. A central rib li extends between each web and the base 3 outwardly of the housing to rigidify the end walls.

Like in the immediately preceding structure, the present side bearing is provided with a plurality of, preferably two, groups or nests of precurved leaves or plates l2", which likewise provides a greater capacity throughout a greater range of movement than the side bearing of Figures 1 to 5. The groups are arranged in superimposed relation with the lower group facing inwardly of the housing and the upper group facing outwardly of the housing. In the present structure the wear plates l3 and l3 are dispensed with, and in order to prevent a gouging action of the plates and avoid excessive Wear a bottom plate ifi of the lower group is provided with spaced arcuate cylindrical portions or bends l5 which bear directly on the webs 9*. By this arrangement, therefore, the portions 15* will, as they move relatively to the housing webs during the flexure of the lower group of plates, create frictional forces additional to the inherent resiliency of the group, and as it presents a substantially smooth bearing surface, no gouging or chiseling action will take place to cut grooves or recesses in the webs. It will, therefore, be

group of plates will maintain their predetermined vertical position. The portions or bends terminate in upwardly directed legs i F which overlie the ends of the associated plates of the corresponding group to limit the relative longitudinal or rotative shifting of the plates. The legs I? are positioned a desired distance inwardly of the housing from the adjacent top flanges to permit a longitudinal movement of the legs during a flexing movement of the group.

A cap l8 forming a body bolster engaging portion of the side bearing comprises a horizontal top plate I9 having depending therefrom a substantially continuous peripheral flange 26 formed by longitudinally spaced end flanges 2 l and laterally spaced connecting side flanges 22 Likewise, as in the previously described structures, the peripheral flange is positioned outwardly of and in partial overlapping relation with the housing side walls to prevent the entrance of foreign substance to within the housing. The top plate I9 which is spaced a desired distance above the housing side walls, bears directly upon an uppermost plate 34 of the upper group of pre-curved plates (2 and in order to dispense with the wear plates 3! of the immediately preceding structure and still retain the benefit thereof, the longitudinal ends of the top plate are formed cylindrical as bends 33 By this formation of the uppermost plate a relatively smooth bearing surface is presented, and any relative movement between the bends and the cap top plate, while creating frictional forces, will not result in the top plate having service formed recesses chiseled or gouged therein. A longitudinal downwardly opening recess or relief 35 is provided on the underside of the cap top plate to form a guideway for the uppermost plate 34 and prevent lateral shifting between the upper group of plates and the cap top plate. Like the plate 16* of the lower group, the bends of the plate 3% terminate in downwardly directed legs 36 which extend toward the legs ll to overlie the adjacent ends of the associated plates. Shoulders 3! extend inwardly of the cap from, adjacent the juncture of each end flange and the top plate at each end of the relief 35 to arrest longitudinal shifting of the upper group of plates during service. The shoulders 3% also limit the movement of the legs 35 toward the associated housing end wall, and in this manner the side bearing is free to expand or compress without interference between the legs 35 and the associated end walls. Each end wall top flange is coped as at 38 to accommodate the associated shoulder with suflicient clearance therebetween to allow a free unrestricted movement of the cap.

Forming continuations of the side flanges are pendants or downwardly directed portions 39 which preferably attain their greatest depth adjacent the transverse vertical plane of the side hearing. The housing side walls are provided with aligned apertures 23 and the side flange portions 39 are provided with aligned apertures 24 which are preferably of lesser extent than the apertures 23". Projecting transversely of the housing immediately beneath the lower group of pre-curved plates is a pin or bar 25' which extends through the apertures 23 and 24 in order to retain the associated parts of the side bearing side walls to guide the lower extremity of the cap during movement thereof while in service. As in the previously described structures, the pin is formed to substantially agree or correspond with the occupied apertures.

In'order to prevent any transverse movement of the pin during serviceand therebyeliminate the possibility of an accidental displacement of the pin, webs 26 are formed integrally with one of the side flange depending portions to. overlie the associated end of the pin, and a web 21 is formed integrally with the opposite or other'side flange depending'portion to overlie the associated other end of the pin. It will be observed that the webs 26 and 21 not only arrest a lateral shifting of the pin but also form rigidifying means to strengthen the lower extremityof the depending portions. As in thepreviously described structures, the web 2'l is of less height than the integrally formed web 26 and accordingly the corresponding aperture is less restricted, which permits the introduction of the pin over the web 21 through the associated aperture. So as to maintain the pin in alignment with the webs 26 and 21", a key 28 preferably formed of a flat bar, is coextensive with and superimposed upon the pin. The key extends through the aligned apertures 23 and 24 to have one end thereof-bent downwardly to forma depending leg 29 directed toward the associated web 21 and thereby overlie the corresponding end of the pin. -The opposite -or other" end of the-key is directed upwardly in a direction away from the associated web 26 as a vertical leg 30* and overlies the associated side flange depending portion. By this arrangement, therefore, the key is provided with oppositely disposed legs which are interlocked with the pin and cap. The housing aperture 23 is extended a desired distance above and below the key and pin to allow an expansive or compressive movement of the side bearing from the illustrated normal position. It will be noted that it is not the present intention to limit the invention to the illustrated and described structures andthat numerous alterations and modifications may be made thereto without departing from within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Iclaim: I

1. In a side bearing, in combination, a housing comprising a base having spaced end walls and spaced apertured side walls upstanding therefrom, said end walls having intermediate webs spaced from and substantially parallel to said base and terminating in upstanding flanges, a rib extending between said base and each web, wear plates on said webs, a group of pre-curved plates extending between and bearing upon said wear plates, a cap comprising a top plate spaced above said housing and superimposed upon said group of plates, a peripheral flange depending from said top plate spaced outwardly from the associated portion of said housing, means extending through apertures in said depending flange and side wall apertures, and integral means formed on said flange overlying the ends of said means for retaining it in operable position.

2. In a side bearing, in combination, a housing comprising spaced end walls joined by spaced apertured side walls, wear plates associated with said end walls, a group of pre-curved plates extending between and supported by said wear plates, a cap comprising a top plate bearing upon said group of plates, end and apertured side flanges depending from adjacent the edges of said top plate, said end and side flanges partially overlapping and spaced outwardly of said end and side walls respectively, means immediately underlying said group of plates and eX- tending through said side walls and side flange apertures, and means formed integrally with said side flanges partially overlying the ends of said first-named means for retaining it in operable position.

3. In a side bearing, in combination, a housing comprising spaced end walls joined by spaced apertured side walls, wear plates associated with said end walls, a group of pre-curved plates extending between and supported by said wear plates, a cap comprising a top plate bearing upon said group of plates, end and apertured side flanges depending from adjacent the edges of said top plate, said end and side flanges partially overlapping and spaced outwardly of said end and side walls respectively, means immediately underlying said group of plates and extending through said side wall and side flange apertures and supported by said side flanges, a key associated with said means having one end thereof bent to overlie an end of said means and another end thereof bent to overlie one of said side flanges, and means formed integrally with said side flanges partially overlying the ends of said first-named means for retaining it in operable position.

4. In a side bearing, in combination, a housing comprising a base having spaced end walls and spaced apertured side walls upstanding therefrom, said end walls having intermediate webs spaced from and substantially parallel to said base and terminating in upstanding flanges, wear plates on said webs, a group of pre-curved plates extending between and bearing upon said wear plates, a cap comprising a top plate normally spaced above said housing and bearing upon said group of plates, a peripheral flange depending from said top plate spaced outwardly from the associated portion of said housing, means extending through apertures in said depending flange and side wall apertures for maintaining said group of plates under a predetermined compression, integral means formed on said flanges overlying the ends of said means for retaining it in operable position, and a key associated with and retaining said means in alignment with said integral means.

5. In a side bearing, in combination, a. housing comprising a base having spaced end walls and connecting side walls upstanding therefrom, each of said end walls having an offset portion intermediate the height thereof, a wear plate positioned on each offset portion, a group of arcuate plates in said housing and extending between and superimposed upon said wear plates, a cap spaced above and telescoping the upper extremity of said housing, said cap bearing upon said plates intermediate the ends thereof, means extending through apertures in said side walls and cap for retaining said plates under a predetermined compression, and a key extending transversely of said side bearing associated with said means and cap for retaining said means in operable position.

6. In a side bearing, in combination, a housing comprising a base having spaced end walls and connecting spaced side walls upstanding therefrom, each of said end walls having a lower substantially vertical flange and an intermediate web extending outwardly of the housing and terminating in a substantially vertical top flange,

a Wear plate positioned on said intermediate webs, arcuate plates extending between and bearing upon said wear plates, a cap having a top plate bearing upon said plates and provided with a depending peripheral flange spaced outwardly of and overlapping said top flanges, a pin extending through substantially aligned apertures in said side walls and peripheral flange, and a key substantially coextensive with said pin and associated with said pin and cap for retaining the in in an operable position.

7. In a side bearing, in combination, a housing comprising a base having spaced end walls and spaced apertured side walls upstanding therefrom, said end walls having intermediate webs spaced from said base, a rib extending between said base and each web, a cap comprising a top plate normally spaced above said housing, a peripheral flange having aligned apertures depending from said top plate, a group of precurved plates acting between said top plate and intermediate webs, a pin extending through said side wall and flange apertures, means formed integrally with said cap flange positioned outwardly of said pin and adapted to arrest lateral movement of said pin, and a key having end portions interlocked with said pin and cap flange for retaining said pin in operable position.

8. In a side bearing, in combination, a housing comprising a base having spaced end walls and spaced apertured connecting side walls upstanding therefrom, said end walls having intermediate substantially horizontal webs spaced from said base, a rib extending between said base and each web, a cap comprising a top plate normally spaced above said housing, a peripheral flange depending from said top plate and having aligned apertures, a group of pre-curved plates acting between said top plate and intermediate webs, a pin positioned below said pre-curved plates and extending through said side wall and flange apertures, webs formed integrally with said cap flange and restricting associated apertures, said webs lying in longitudinal alignment with said pin for restricting movement thereof, and means associated with the pin for retaining it in alignment with said webs.

9. In a side bearing, in combination, a housing comprising a base having spaced end walls joined by spaced apertured side walls, each of said end walls having an intermediate web directed inwardly of the housing, ribs extending between said webs and base, a cap having a top plate normally spaced above said housing and an apertured peripheral flange depending from said top plate and positioned outwardly of said housing walls, vertically and longitudinally spaced wear plates bearing against said webs and top plate, two groups of pre-curved oppositely facing plates extending between and bearing upon said wear plates, means extending through said side wall and flange apertures, and means formed integrally with said peripheral flange and positioned in longitudinal alignment with the first-named means for restricting transverse movement thereof.

10. In a side bearing, in combination, a housing comprising spaced end and connecting side walls, an intermediate ledge formed on each of said end walls, a cap having a top plate normally spaced above said walls and end and side depending flanges spaced outwardly of the housing from associated end and side walls, respectively, a group of pre-curved plates positioned within said housing and interposed between said top plate aligned apertures in said side walls and side flanges for maintaining said groups of plates under a pre-determined compression, said apertures in said side walls being elongated downwardly from said means so as to allow a compressive movement of said bearing.

EMIL H. BLAT'INER. 

